Recently, Brian Cohen of The Gate broke the news of a nefarious new fee being charged at certain Hyatt properties. Because of this new fee, I suggest you avoid these Hyatt properties in Hawaii, though not all of them are that bad compared to other properties' resort fees. … [Read more...] about Avoid These Hyatt Properties in Hawaii
‘Iao Valley is Closing for 4 Months
In 2016, torrential rains caused flooding that absolutely destroyed Maui's 'Iao Valley State Monument. Since then, officials have been working to restore the valley, its attractions, and its infrastructure. And to finish the project, 'Iao Valley is closing for 4 months. … [Read more...] about ‘Iao Valley is Closing for 4 Months
Hawaii Slammed by Historic Surf
Thus far, the 2022 Central Pacific Hurricane season has been fairly quiet. Thus far, only one storm approached the islands - Tropical Storm Darby. It fell apart and passed to the south of us, but it did generate insanely big waves. The result? Hawaii slammed by historic surf. … [Read more...] about Hawaii Slammed by Historic Surf
Visitors Say Hawaii is Too Expensive in 2022
Recently, the State of Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism commissioned a Visitor Satisfaction and Activity Survey. Surprisingly, a growing number say they won't come back. Why? Visitors say Hawaii is too expensive in 2022. … [Read more...] about Visitors Say Hawaii is Too Expensive in 2022
The Surfjack Hotel Waikiki is Stymied by Inconveniences
The Surfjack Hotel was the second mid-century modern hotel to open in Waikiki, following The Laylow. Given how much we enjoyed The Laylow and the cool aesthetic of the Surfjack, I've long wanted to give them a try. Too bad many inconveniences hold back the hotel. … [Read more...] about The Surfjack Hotel Waikiki is Stymied by Inconveniences
Hilton Hawaiian Reached a Tentative Agreement
Good news! The first hotel workers' contract negotiation process went smoothly as Hilton Hawaiian reached a tentative agreement with Unite Here Local 5. The new contract still needs to be ratified, so we're not out of the woods yet, but this is a good sign. … [Read more...] about Hilton Hawaiian Reached a Tentative Agreement
Fast Track to Marriott Gold Status with Chase
While some cards give you status with their brand, that typically isn't the case with Chase. Well, I guess you can consider Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite a status? Every Chase Marriott card comes with that. But, now, you can fast track to Marriott Gold Status with Chase, though you need one of two non-Marriott cards. … [Read more...] about Fast Track to Marriott Gold Status with Chase
Contract Bargaining Begins at 19 Hawaii Hotels
Do you remember the great Marriott/Kyo-ya hotel worker strike of 2018? If so, the word that contract bargaining begins at 19 Hawaii hotels likely gives you some pause. I know it does for me. … [Read more...] about Contract Bargaining Begins at 19 Hawaii Hotels
Check Your Chase Q3 2022 Bonuses
Beyond the quarterly Freedom bonuses, Chase often offers others on the rest of their card lineup. So be sure to check your Chase Q3 2022 bonuses to see what kind of offers you've been targeted for. … [Read more...] about Check Your Chase Q3 2022 Bonuses
Waikiki Beach Marriott Ocean Front Junior Suite Review
The last time I stayed in a junior suite at the Waikiki Beach Marriott was way back in the before times of 2019. This was before the pandemic and before the property completed its renovations. So I was curious to see how the refreshed Waikiki Beach Marriott Ocean Front Junior Suite is. … [Read more...] about Waikiki Beach Marriott Ocean Front Junior Suite Review